Chelsea FC defeated Benfica to set up a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona as the Blues reached the last four for the sixth time in nine seasons.

Frank Lampard opened the scoring after a hotly-disputed penalty, one of several debatable decisions that included the first-half dismissal of Benfica captain Maxi Pereira.

Javi Garcia managed a 85th-minute equaliser, before substitute Raul Meireles scored to seal the home win under Roberto Di Matteo.

After winning 1-0 in Lisbon last week, the Blues’ victory under boss Di Matteo will face Barca the holding champs.

A superb Petr Cech save from Cardozo’s first-time shot kept Chelsea ahead. Cech came to the rescue again to tip Djalo’s header behind but could not stop Garcia from heading in Aimar’s corner.

In stoppage-time Meireles ran 40 yards and scored.

Chelsea are in sixth place in the Premier League battle for top tier placement.

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